26/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 23 October, EU justice ministers reviewed progress on a draft framework decision on transfer between member states of proceedings in criminal matters relating to one single case. The most important provisions of the text have yet to be discussed, but the United Kingdom and Ireland have intimated serious problems, particularly with regard to Article 5 which says a member state has jurisdiction to pursue infringements on which the laws of another member state are applicable. European Commissioner Jacques Barrot urged member states to retain the most important provisions so as not to fall below the criteria of the European Convention of 15 May 1972 on the transfer of criminal proceedings. During the transfer procedure, he also recommended compulsory consultation to build confidence and improve judicial confidence. (B.C./transl.rt)